CFLA Athlete Profile – Kevin Kurz

Hometown: Garden City, New York Age: 32Occupation: UCLA Student, CFLA CoachWhen did you first start CrossFitting?: 2009When did you first start training at CFLA?: August 2014Favorite WOD: Grace (the non-CFLA way!)Least Favorite WOD: Oh boy, tough question. I’d have to stay FRAN.

Tell us about you sports & fitness background:I played little league baseball and soccer for the town up until middle school, where I continued on playing soccer for the school, and picked up basketball as I had been playing in a church league for many years. Football and lacrosse were gaining popularity in my town at that time, however my overprotective mother would not let me play those contact sports until I was older. When high school came around, my friends and competitors were already much more proficient in those sports so I decided to focus on basketball and track. I would split my time between playing sports and music. College brought fun with greek life and intramural or club teams sports.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel?I was a member of Equinox in Greenwich, Ct, and was practicing yoga during one of their group classes. A woman whom I had become “gym” friendly with, asked me if I had ever heard of Crossfit, to which I of course answered with “no”. She said I would love it, and to call Rob Orlando at Hybrid Athletics to try it out. I remember walking into the small space, being one of just two participants in the daily WOD, as the box had just opened for business. I believe the WOD was 20 seconds of pushups, squat tucks, and flutter kicks, then 20 seconds rest, for 10 rounds. I remember I was dead on my back after that, and said to myself, wow, this is amazing!!! I also remember watching head Hybrid trainer Tim Burke perform kipping pull-ups with ease, and I was so inspired and impressed that I needed to learn the movement immediately. It was at that point, that my life would change.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?I have been suffering with a chronic intestinal disorder for many years, and being exposed to Crossfit has given me the motivation to refine my diet in order to incorporate clean and healthy eating. Crossfit is a total body conditioning program, with so many elements mixed together, that I can’t think of another program that yields the quickest results related to building lean muscle, loss of body fat, but also increasing endurance capacity.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected?I think all Crossfitters would agree that the program is extremely mentally challenging. Being challenged on a daily basis takes us out of our comfort zone, and that is when personal growth occurs. We as fitness individuals have completely removed the words “I can’t” from our vocabulary, and have replaced them with “I can”. Crossfit provides a foundation for confidence, and that is one aspect that I love. For example, as I shared with KK and a client today, the mental fortitude that Crossfit has provided me has given me the confidence to get back onto the music stage and perform at an open mic.

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFLA moments:A CFLA moment that comes to mind occurred this past Saturday, at the kick-off event for the Whole Life Challenge. What a turnout! Over 100 members and guests entered our gym, to compete with and against one another. I am currently part of the coaches development program, and to assist at an event with such a strong sense of community was not only impressive, but also motivating.

Any advice for people just getting started?Many people are scared of Crossfit based on what they hear, see, or read about. One of the many reasons why Crossfit works is because it is applicable and scalable to people of all health and fitness abilities. I am very impressed with the CFLA Fundamental program, it is the best introduction to Crossfit I have ever come across. When broken down into simple movements, anybody with a strong positive attitude can succeed at this program.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?MUSIC!!! I moved to LA for many reasons, and one of those reasons is to get into the music scene. I am a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who loves playing the guitar and piano, which provide an escape from hectic everyday life. I have recently begun a morning mantra meditation practice, which is adding a sense of calm to my day. A weakness of mine is cooking delicious meals, so I am learning and experimenting slowly. I am currently a pre-med student at UCLA where my focus is clinical nutrition.

Now that you’re coaching, tell us when you knew that coaching at CFLA was your calling?I first dropped into CFLA last summer for a WOD, after discovering that it was 2 minutes from my apartment. I was greeted and introduced to the class and immediately felt at home. The sense of community is something I truly believe in at CFLA, and the passion of the coaching staff and members is awesome. Our training program and philosophy (thanks to the man Kenny Kane) is intelligent, safe, and results yielding, all while providing a fun experience.